A WOMAN who hit a cyclist while texting her husband when driving was jailed for 21 months.

Bridgid Briens, of Church Road, Long Hanborough, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The 39-year-old was driving along the A4095 near North Leigh when her Citroen ZX collided with 42-year-old Andrew Slater at about 6.50pm on December 29.

Investigating Officer, PC Richard Medway of the Roads Policing Team based at Bicester police station, said: “This case clearly highlights the dangers of motorists using a mobile phone whilst driving and shows the severe consequences to both the offending driver and on this occasion, the seriously injured cyclist who has suffered severe injuries.

“The court recognised the serious nature of this offence and issued an appropriate sentence which hopefully will act as a deterrent to other motorists who consider using a mobile phone while driving.”

Briens was also handed a three-year driving ban, ordered to take an extended driving test and told to pay a victim surcharge.